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What went wrong? Unsuccessful information technology projects

Article Information:

Title:

What went wrong? Unsuccessful information technology projects

Author(s):

Brenda Whittaker

Journal:

Information Management & Computer Security

Year:

1999

Volume:

7

Issue:

1

Page:

23 - 30


ISSN:

0968-5227


DOI:

10.1108/09685229910255160

Publisher:

MCB UP Ltd

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Abstract:

Information technology (IT) project management is a crucial issue for organizations today. A 1995 study in the USA found that 31 per cent of software projects will be canceled before completion, and more than half the projects will cost an average of 189 per cent of the original estimates. This article examines the results of a survey questionnaire that was sent to Canada’s 1,450 leading public and private institutions to find the causes of IT project failure. It found that the three most common reasons for project failure are poor project planning, a weak business case, and a lack of top management involvement and support. It then outlines the reasons behind these failures, thus providing the first steps towards minimizing the risk of future failures.

Keywords:

Computer software, Information technology, Project control, Project management, Software development


Article Type:

Research paper


Article URL:

http://juno.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/09685229910255160

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